To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

Ice Storm Recovery
Forest Recovery Bulletin #3
Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture, Food & Forestry – Forestry Services – January 2014
Managing Ice-Damaged Forest Stands
The devastating ice storms damaged numerous acres of forestlands in Oklahoma. Tree damage
ranged from “light,” where small branches in treetops were broken, to “heavy,” where trees
snapped off, toppled over or lost most of their branches. Forest damage was highly variable and
depended upon tree species, stand age, location and other factors. Owners are now faced with the
task of assessing their forest damage and making decisions about their future. The level of
damage and your personal ownership objectives will help dictate the best follow-up measures to
take to restore the health and productivity of your forests. This bulletin will help you categorize
the damage that occurred in your forests and evaluate follow-up treatment needs.
Use Professional Help: One good piece of advice is to use professionals to provide you the best
information and guidance available. A list of private consulting foresters is available on request.
Safety: Your first consideration should be safety. When evaluating your stands, watch for
loose, hanging branches in the tops of trees or leaning trees that can fall quickly and without
warning. Wear your safety gear and stay out of the woods when it is windy.
Forest Protection: Check forest stands for pest problems and potential fire danger the next few
growing seasons. Fallen trees and branches will create high fire risk when dry. Establish
firelines and take extra precautions to minimize wildfire risk this spring and summer. Many
forest pests are opportunistic and thrive in areas where trees are damaged or under stress. Five
years of drought followed by a major ice storm can open the door for insect problems, especially
bark beetles and wood borers. These pests are difficult to eliminate, so be on the lookout for
them and, if found, take appropriate action to minimize their spread.
Salvage: Salvage operations may be justified in commercial forest areas where there is enough
merchantable timber on the ground or in standing but severely damaged trees to justify
harvesting. Because of decay and pest problems, salvage operations should be done within the
next few months if market conditions permit. Avoid damaging the remaining trees as much as
possible, follow the forest water quality best management practices and practice safety first.
Follow a salvage operation with an evaluation to determine other actions needed to restore the
health of your forest.
Timber Stand Improvement: Removing hazardous or cull trees, and thinning, will help
damaged stands recover more quickly. Evaluate stands again for TSI needs in 3 to 5 years.
Some very general guidelines follow to help you determine the severity of damage and what to
do next, depending upon the extent of the damage and whether your forest was predominantly
hardwoods or pines.

Ice Storm Recovery
Forest Recovery Bulletin #3
Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture, Food & Forestry – Forestry Services – January 2014
Managing Ice-Damaged Forest Stands
The devastating ice storms damaged numerous acres of forestlands in Oklahoma. Tree damage
ranged from “light,” where small branches in treetops were broken, to “heavy,” where trees
snapped off, toppled over or lost most of their branches. Forest damage was highly variable and
depended upon tree species, stand age, location and other factors. Owners are now faced with the
task of assessing their forest damage and making decisions about their future. The level of
damage and your personal ownership objectives will help dictate the best follow-up measures to
take to restore the health and productivity of your forests. This bulletin will help you categorize
the damage that occurred in your forests and evaluate follow-up treatment needs.
Use Professional Help: One good piece of advice is to use professionals to provide you the best
information and guidance available. A list of private consulting foresters is available on request.
Safety: Your first consideration should be safety. When evaluating your stands, watch for
loose, hanging branches in the tops of trees or leaning trees that can fall quickly and without
warning. Wear your safety gear and stay out of the woods when it is windy.
Forest Protection: Check forest stands for pest problems and potential fire danger the next few
growing seasons. Fallen trees and branches will create high fire risk when dry. Establish
firelines and take extra precautions to minimize wildfire risk this spring and summer. Many
forest pests are opportunistic and thrive in areas where trees are damaged or under stress. Five
years of drought followed by a major ice storm can open the door for insect problems, especially
bark beetles and wood borers. These pests are difficult to eliminate, so be on the lookout for
them and, if found, take appropriate action to minimize their spread.
Salvage: Salvage operations may be justified in commercial forest areas where there is enough
merchantable timber on the ground or in standing but severely damaged trees to justify
harvesting. Because of decay and pest problems, salvage operations should be done within the
next few months if market conditions permit. Avoid damaging the remaining trees as much as
possible, follow the forest water quality best management practices and practice safety first.
Follow a salvage operation with an evaluation to determine other actions needed to restore the
health of your forest.
Timber Stand Improvement: Removing hazardous or cull trees, and thinning, will help
damaged stands recover more quickly. Evaluate stands again for TSI needs in 3 to 5 years.
Some very general guidelines follow to help you determine the severity of damage and what to
do next, depending upon the extent of the damage and whether your forest was predominantly
hardwoods or pines.